XT600E transafrica tyre choice
 

Hi,
My 2002 xt6OOE came with the following set of tyres, both still in goog condition:
Front: Bridgestone Battle Wing 90/90 21M/C 54H
Rear: Metzeler Tourance 130/80 17/M/C 65S

Will these tires be suitable to do a cape to cairo trip (east coast, 70% tarmac, 30% dirt)?
Is it necessary to carry a set of spare tires? Or will they probably last the entire trip? Or could I find some new tires on the road easily?

Thanx!

Trellborgs
 

Hi mate,
I did UK-RSA in 08/09 West Coast and took 2 rear and one front Trellborgs. Glad I did. Even though they were a pain in the arse to carry, guys I was with had big expenses getting new tyres en route.

I started with Avon Distenzias till Senegal. When I got to the RSA my tyres were 'on their arse!' and I was ever so glad I made the choice to carry my own.

a 2 penneth worth!

Try Heidenau K60. It's tire with racio tarmac/gravel like you said, and last for 20000km. Great tire!

I use Continental TKC80's which are a good compromise for tarmac and British mud, but the rear does wear quickly, especially with motorway use.

http://www.sticky-stuff.co.uk/images/conti_tkc80.jpg

I've never tried the Heidenau K60, but the tread patten may be more suitable for a trip that is 70% tarmac, and the dirt sections are dry, but I have never tried them because I think they wouldn't perform as well as the TKC on muddy wet stuff.

Mitads e0 7,s..........

Conti TCK80's everytime for hard-core African trails. :thumbup1:

If it's light trails (70% tarmac) then Michelin SIRAC's will get you there just fine. Plus they are standard fit (OEM) on the new Yamaha XT660 Tenere. Yamaha themselves obviously rate them highly (as well as I do).

MICHELIN SIRAC | Road Bike Tyres | MICHELIN UK

The more off road capable the faster they wear but you'll always wish you had more dirt capability, not less. Tyres are a massive part of this so I always go for the more dirt bias. I prefer D606 and get about 8000km out of them. Good on road as well. I'd try and find replacements or send them out instead of lugging spares with you.